Category: Newcastle News

Police are investigating after a suspicious fire at a building in Kurri Kurri overnight.
About 8.15pm (Wednesday 3 March 2021), emergency services were called to an abandoned building on Lang Street, Kurri Kurri, following reports the structure was well alight.
Crews from Fire and Rescue New South Wales attended and extinguished the blaze about two hours later.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene, which has been held overnight.
An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire.
Anyone with information or who may have seen or heard anything in the near vicinity between 7.30pm and 8.30pm last night is urged to come forward.
 

Two people have been arrested and another remains outstanding following a police operation in Kotara this morning.
About 3.50am today (Wednesday 3 March 2021), officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to a home on Park Avenue, Kotara, following reports a 24-year-old woman had been held against her will.
Police have been told two women – aged 24 and 30 – and two men – aged 29 and 36 – were inside the home before the younger woman managed to escape and contact police.
The two men and woman then threatened an 88-year-old male resident, who was asleep at the time.
A perimeter was established, and specialist units were deployed to assist in the operation – including police negotiators and the dog unit.
The 88-year-old man was able to leave the home and was taken into police care about 5.50am; he was uninjured.
A 36-year-old man fled the home on foot a short time later, before he was arrested near Howell Street.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station.
A 30-year-old woman was also arrested at the property a short time later.
She was taken to Newcastle Police Station.
Both the man and woman are assisting police with their inquiries.
A 29-year-old man escaped the home and remains outstanding; officers attached to Newcastle City PD, Northern Region Operational Support Group (Op Utah) and other police resources are conducting extensive inquiries to locate the man.
An investigation into the circumstances leading up to and during the incident is now underway, including allegations the younger woman had been held against her will in the days prior to today’s incident.

Police are appealing for public assistance after a teenage girl was allegedly assaulted and inappropriately touched in the Hunter Valley last month.
About 9:40pm on Monday (15 February 2021), a 16-year-old girl was walking along Macauley Street in Denman, with an infant in a pram, when she was approached from behind by three people – believed to be a woman and two men – near the intersection of Hunter Street.
Police have been told the teen was pulled to the ground by her hair and kicked several times before a male touched her inappropriately.
The teen managed to free herself, fleeing the scene with the infant before being assisted by a resident.
Emergency services were contacted, and the teenage girl was taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for treatment to cuts and bruises; the infant was uninjured.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced an investigation into the incident.

City of Newcastle is incentivising talented and community-minded Australians to relocate to the city with a $10,000 grant available for up to 30 innovative and accomplished entrepreneurs.
‘New Move’ was launched today as an economic development initiative to attract people from Australia’s capital cities to relocate and invest in Newcastle, with independent economic modelling estimating the program could create up to 75 new jobs and $25 million in local economic output.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said New Move is an Australian first, adapted from the highly successful US Tulsa Remote initiative, that will help attract new skills and talent to Newcastle through the initial incentive of a financial grant, whilst also raising long-term awareness of the city’s diverse economic opportunities.
“Newcastle is an economic hub driven by innovation and skills and we want to share this fact with all of Australia,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Attracting talented people as an economic stimulus strategy provides great value for money, with independent modelling showing that attracting 30 entrepreneurs to the city through New Move will help create new local jobs and millions of dollars in economic output.
“The grant is one great reason to consider a move to Newcastle, however there are 10,000 more reasons why Newcastle is the perfect place for entrepreneurial, community-minded and innovative people to create impact.
“The global labour market is changing. COVID-19 has shown that people can work from anywhere in the world. Increasingly young professionals are choosing smaller, but well-connected cities, like Newcastle due to their superior lifestyle.
“We know people can be apprehensive about moving cities. New Move and the 10,000 Reasons campaign promotes Newcastle as a safe, welcoming location for Australia’s top entrepreneurial talent.
“Newcastle is home to world-class education, healthcare, and aerospace hubs, and an innovation ecosystem that supports start-ups. There’s no shortage of opportunities for talented and skilled people.
“Significant investments have recently been delivered that underpins Newcastle’s transformation, along with a pipeline of future city shaping projects including the reimagination of Broadmeadow sporting and entertainment precinct, John Hunter Hospital Innovation Precinct, University of Newcastle’s increasing presence in the CBD and the international expansion of Newcastle Airport.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who chairs the City’s Strategy Committee, said that with technology evolving so rapidly, the business community needs people with specific skills.
“The injection of new skills and innovation brought by new talent attracted by New Move will help generate new economic opportunities with a flow-on-effect into increased local employment and opportunities for Novocastrians,” Cr Clausen said.
“Through an advertising campaign focused on Sydney and the nation’s capital cities, Newcastle will be showcased as a smart city and innovation hub supported by a vibrant culture and modern infrastructure.
“Newcastle is a gateway city – small enough to provide the charms of regional life but big enough to attract international investment and the best domestic and global talent.
“Talent attracts talent. New Move recipients will be asked to commit to be city ambassadors, helping further develop local skills, and activate our community to create future economic opportunities. In return, recipients will have access to co-working spaces, and networking events to build local business and community connections.”
The New Move program is targeted at a metropolitan audience and will provide 30 successful applicants, who meet the eligibility criteria, with a $10,000 relocation grant to be spent within the Newcastle local government area, in addition to a tailored program of ongoing networking opportunities and support.
The New Move program is funded by City of Newcastle within its existing economic development budget and was supported by a unanimous resolution of Council in December 2020.
Unlike previous regional relocation grants offered by other levels of Government, New Move is highly targeted and includes ongoing networking to ensure new residents have the best opportunity to deliver economic and social returns to the City.
Expressions of Interest are now open with an opportunity for applicants to explore and experience the local community, industry and culture at a weekend event taking place 9-11 April.
To find out more about New Move, visit New Move website and FAQs page.

Police are appealing for public assistance following a car fire in Edgeworth last year.
About 3am on Monday 23 November 2020, a 33-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were awoken by a large banging noise before they exited their home on Ridley Street, Edgeworth, and located their Ford Falcon utility well alight.
Emergency services were called and crews from Fire and Rescue New South Wales extinguished the blaze a short time later.
A second vehicle – a Hyundai Elantra – received minor smoke damage, while the Ford was completely destroyed.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.
As inquiries are continuing, police have released CCTV footage of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
The man is wearing a hooded jumper, shorts and black joggers.

A man has died following a crash near Singleton.
About 1.45pm today (Sunday 28 February 2021), emergency services were called to Putty Road, Putty, after two cars crashed head-on.
The driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles died at the scene. The man has not yet been formally identified.
The three occupants of the other car have been taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

A man has been charged with firearm and drug offences after a crash at Lake Macquarie overnight.
About 3:50am (Saturday 27 February 2021), police responded to reports that a silver Kia Cerato, travelling west along Lowry Street, Cardiff, had crashed into two parked cars.
The driver, a 30-year-old man, was prevented from leaving the scene by several bystanders until police arrived.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and commenced an investigation.
Police were informed that immediately after the collision the driver was seen acting suspiciously near a tree. A search of this area located a home-made pistol and a bag of ammunition.
A further search of the man and his vehicle located a quantity of methyl-amphetamine and alprazolam as well as more than $14,000 cash.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with the following:

• Negligent driving
• Possess unauthorised pistol
• Possess unregistered firearm-pistol
• Possess loaded firearm public place
• Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit
• Possess prohibited drug
• Possess prescribed restricted substance
• Deal with property proceeds of drive <$100,000

The Marmong Point man has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 28 February 2021).

A project to allow direct flights between Newcastle and countries including the United States, China, Singapore, Russia, Japan and South Africa, as well as the transformation of Broadmeadow into a truly international sporting, residential and entertainment precinct, have been acknowledged as projects of national significance by the Federal Government’s infrastructure advisor.
Infrastructure Australia, the independent national authority on projects of national significance, has announced the Broadmeadow Precinct Regeneration and Newcastle Airport Capacity Expansion projects on its annual Infrastructure Priority List following City of Newcastle’s multi-year advocacy.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Infrastructure Priority List is the authoritative reference for government and private investment and provides an indisputable statement of the immense potential the projects can deliver for Newcastle, NSW and Australia.
“Infrastructure, along with a skilled local population, is a critical catalyst for enabling economic opportunities for the city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“With today’s announcement, Newcastle’s status as one of Australia’s most important cities is confirmed. No other local government area dominates the IA priority list like Newcastle.
“Already the Port of Newcastle is on the list as the location of a deep water container port, as well as the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and the extension of the M1 to Raymond Terrace.
“Both the Newcastle Airport Precinct and Hunter Park have already been recognised as Catalyst Areas in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan and City of Newcastle’s new Economic Development Strategy.
“The independent advisor has now confirmed the importance of these infrastructure projects on a national scale.
“I invite both the State and Federal Governments to be investment partners in these initiatives in their upcoming budget announcements. The value of these projects to the local, regional and national economy is significant, and worth many billions of dollars.”
Newcastle Airport has been designated by the NSW Government as a Special Activation Precinct in recognition of its potential to stimulate economic activity and jobs.
Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock said the inclusion was the strongest possible affirmation that upgrading the airport to Code E status was a game changer for the region, the aviation industry, and more broadly for the nation.
“The inclusion on IA’s priority list, further demonstrates that this project is one of national significance with huge potential,” he said.
“It strongly reinforces the link between upgrading the Airport to international status and the global defence and aerospace precinct it sits in. The City of Newcastle’s advocacy has been a game changer for the Airport.”
The Broadmeadow Precinct regeneration is a once in a generation opportunity to transform a well-used and loved, but tired space into a contemporary community and mixed used precinct located at the heart of the Newcastle community and just five kilometres from the Newcastle CBD. The 63-hectare precinct has a variety of sporting facilities, as well as commercial uses.
The proposed regeneration offers the potential for international sports facilities, multi-purpose entertainment venues, green spaces for local amenity, residential and mixed-use development, and will generate up to 8,000 jobs; 1,000 of them ongoing.
The City of Newcastle is collaborating with Newcastle Airport, Venues NSW and HCCDC to support Stage 2 submissions to Infrastructure Australia.

A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting paramedics and damaging an ambulance vehicle in the Lake Macquarie area.
About 9.00pm on Thursday 25 February 2021, paramedics responded to a home on Edward Street, Cardiff, to assist a man who had reportedly injured his shoulder.
While treating the man, he allegedly became aggressive, verbally abused them.
When the paramedics went to leave, the man allegedly pushed one of them in the chest.
The paramedics returned to the ambulance vehicle, the man is alleged to have lashed out as they drove off, damaging a door.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were alerted and arrested the 25-year-old man a short time later.
He was taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and malicious damage.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Toronto Local Court on Wednesday 10 March 2021.

City of Newcastle has put its people at the centre of driving the city’s economic opportunities and recovery from COVID-19 in its new Economic Development Strategy.
The strategy has been developed with extensive stakeholder and community engagement that included targeted conversations with population groups most impacted by the COVID-19 economic recession, including young people and international students.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the development of the Economic Development Strategy, which is designed to position Newcastle as a global city recognised for its innovation and creativity, has been strengthened by feedback from government, industry, business and the broader community, along with expert insights on global megatrends and contemporary economic development.
“As part of our commitment to creating strategies for the community to improve livelihood and wellbeing, we sought feedback through a community-wide survey, held workshops and had conversations with TAFE NSW, University of Newcastle, Hunternet and Hunter Young Professionals.
“By listening to a broad cross-section of our community, we have received valuable insights which contributed to building the new Strategy and vision that puts people at the heart of our city’s economic opportunities.
“We believe that Newcastle and Hunter region’s economic future will be built on the talent, skills and ingenuity of our people. People, not machines or infrastructure, drive innovation and creativity, which leads to new businesses and investment.
“We know that only about 50% of our community has post school qualifications but that the emerging jobs will require additional skills and knowledge. Our strategy is all about building the capacity and capability for our community to be able to be part of emerging economic opportunities.
“Too often our best skilled and talented people feel the need to leave our community, and whilst we understand the need for our youth to ‘spread their wings’, we need to create an economy where there are opportunities for them to return,” Cr Nelmes said.
The vision for Newcastle is to strengthen existing and create new economic opportunities for all by investing in people, their skills, network and investments. The Economic Development Strategy’s delivery program highlights four priority areas including ‘Skilled People’, ‘Innovative People’, ‘City Shaping’ and ‘Vibrant City’ to make the vision a reality.
The delivery program will be inclusive and aims to provide a range of opportunities for locals, as well as attract new talent to the city where there are current or emerging skills gaps.
Newcastle is currently home to a range of economic opportunities which are identified as the ‘Innovation Arc’ within the Economic Development Strategy. The Innovation Arc names key sites including Williamtown, Port of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Summerhill Waste Management Centre, John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and the Broadmeadow Precinct as catalyst areas for new businesses to establish, and new talent to create new opportunities.
The Economic Development Strategy will on public exhibition from Thursday 25 February until Sunday 11 April 2021. The community is encouraged to have their say online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay